What Is It and Why Is It Called “German”?
If you are looking for a silver-like metal that is durable, affordable, and versatile, you might have come across the term “German silver”. But what is German-silver, and why is it called “German”? Is it really silver, or something else? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and show you some of the amazing uses and benefits of German-silver.
German Silver: The Basics
Before we dive into the details, let’s get some basic facts about German-silver:
| German Silver | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Nickel silver, maillechort, argentan, new silver, nickel brass, albata, or alpacca |
| Composition | A copper alloy with nickel and often zinc. The usual formulation is 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc. |
| Appearance | A silvery-white metal that resembles sterling silver. |
| Properties | Hard, tough, corrosion-resistant, malleable, ductile, and electrically resistant. |
| Does it contain silver? | No. German silver does not contain any trace of silver. It is named for its silvery appearance, not its composition. |
German Silver: The History
German-silver has a long and fascinating history that spans across continents and centuries. Here are some of the highlights of its origin and development:
- German-silver was first used in China, where it was smelted from a naturally occurring ore composition known as paktong or baitong (meaning “white copper” or “cupronickel”). Paktong was highly valued for its resemblance to silver and its durability
- During the Qing dynasty (1644-1912), paktong was exported to Europe, where it became known as “Chinese silver” or “white copper”. It was used to make various items such as candlesticks, trays, teapots, and cutlery
- In the 18th century, German metalworkers tried to recreate the composition of paktong by experimenting with different alloys of copper, nickel, and zinc. They succeeded in producing a similar metal that they called “German silver” or “new silver”
- In 1823, a German competition was held to perfect the production process of German-silver. The goal was to develop an alloy that possessed the closest visual similarity to silver. The winners were the brothers Henniger in Berlin and Ernst August Geitner in Schneeberg
- In 1830, the German process of manufacture was introduced into England, where it became popular for making cheap and durable silverware
- In 1840, the invention of electroplating allowed German-silver to be coated with a thin layer of pure silver, enhancing its appearance and value. Electroplated German silver was widely used for making jewelry, musical instruments, coins, medals, and decorative items
German Silver: The Uses
German-silver has many uses and advantages that make it a versatile and desirable metal. Here are some of the common applications and benefits of German silver:
- German silver is used for making gift items such as spoons, glasses, plates, bowls, etc. These items are attractive, durable, and affordable. They can also be personalized with engraving or embossing
- German silver is used for making heating coils because of its electrical resistance. It can withstand high temperatures without melting or corroding. It is also used for making electrical contacts and connectors
- German silver is used for making tableware such as trays, platters, dishes, etc. It is resistant to tarnishing and staining. It can also be polished to a high shine or given a matte finish
- German silver is used for making base metal for silver-plated cutlery. It provides a strong and smooth surface for the silver coating to adhere to. It also prevents the silver from wearing off easily
- German silver is used for making zippers, buttons, buckles, pins, etc. It is easy to shape and mold into different forms and designs. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion
- German silver is used for making musical instruments such as flutes, saxophones, trumpets, etc. It produces a clear and bright sound quality. It is also easy to clean and maintain
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German Silver: The Conclusion
German-silver is a remarkable metal that has a lot to offer in terms of beauty, durability, affordability, and versatility. It is not really silver, but it can mimic its appearance and qualities very well. It has a rich history that spans across cultures and eras. It has a wide range of uses and benefits that make it suitable for various purposes and occasions. German silver is a metal that deserves your attention and appreciation.
